UNESCO Global Geoparks in the "World after": a multiplegoals roadmap proposal for future discussion

Abstract

The new challenges posed to UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps), resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, require a guiding reflection and the presentation of a proposal for a roadmap, to be discussed and implemented in the shortmedium term. The proposal presented in this work is the result of careful reflection and discussion among the authors, with the purpose of providing the UGGps with tools and lines of action that will allow them to face the new reality of the "World after". These proposals are aligned with the new global dynamics, mainly with those that are seen as strategic for these territories. It is also based on the SDGs of the 2030 Agenda, with particular emphasis on Climate Action. The new reality must therefore also include a paradigm shift and a strengthening of networking activities, which should include a new dynamic of participation and sharing, appropriate to the more frequent use of tools for effective long-distance teamwork.

One Billion Years of Earth History: Challenges of Valorizing the Outstanding Geodiversity of Southwest Germany for Sustainable Geotourism

“…Our surveys clearly show that southwest Germany has an outstanding geoheritage that can form the basis for sustainable geotourism as previously defined [44]. Complementary to regional added value, geo-awareness can be raised by educational programs.…”

“…According to previous work [44], UGGps are "some of the best territories in the world to establish and continually improve sustainable development strategies". UGGps represent a successful path to global sustainability by fostering the economic sustainable development of host regions through the promotion of geotourism and geo-education [37,38].…”

“…At the end of 2015, the UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps) formed a further category of UNESCO sites in addition to World Heritage Sites, Natural World Heritage Sites, and Biosphere Reserves [43]. The UNESCO Global Geoparks are to function as model regions for sustainable development [44]. In doing so, they should enable both inhabitants and visitors to get to know and appreciate the values of the region, and thus build up regional awareness.…”

“…Strategies of resilience, especially for the "World After" [44] and in the context of climate change.…”

Digital Tools to Serve Geotourism and Sustainable Development at Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark in COVID Times and Beyond

“…Among those seriously affected by the effects of the pandemic on tourism are the UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps), which depend on geotourism for their sustainable development [2]. By limiting travel, most activities and services in geoparks were frozen, minimizing the income for management structures and inhabitants.…”